Coupling element of the boom to the mast of a small sailing craft

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling element between the mast and the boom of a small sailing craft, comprising rotating supports mounted on the boom to constantly maintain a face thereof against the mast surface in whatever relative position. The boom can be fixed to the mast by a belt or strap.

I claim: 
     
       1. Apparatus for connecting the boom to the mast in a sailing craft which comprises a coupling member secured to the boom and having a seating section for receiving a portion of the mast; at least one predominantly cylindrical support for the mast, the cylindrical support being rotatably attached to the coupling member adjacent the seating section and having a substantially flat surface constantly in contact with the mast whatever the coupling position of the mast and the boom. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the predominantly cylindrical support comprises a pair of predominantly cylindrical supports rotatably attached to the coupling member having their axes of rotation at an angle to each other and being substantially disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the mast. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further including a binding for pivotably securing the mast to the boom. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the binding is a flexible belt having a first end attached to the boom by a link and a second end locked to the boom on the other side of said mast. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a portion of the flexible belt intermediate of said first and second ends is in contact with the mast, said portion having an anti-abrasive internal lining. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said second end of the flexible belt is locked to the boom by means of a solid connection or buckle fastened to the boom. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said second end of the flexible belt is locked to the boom by means of a locking clamp mounted on the boom. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus for connecting the boom to the mast in a sailing craft which comprises a coupling member secured to the boom and having a seating section for receiving a portion of the mast; at least one predominantly cylindrical support for the mast, the cylindrical support being rotatably attached to the coupling member adjacent the seating section and having a substantially concave surface which mates with a portion of the external surface of the mast and is constantly in contact with the mast whatever the coupling position of the mast and the boom. 
     
     
       9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the predominantly cylindrical support comprises a pair of predominantly cylindrical supports rotatably attached to the coupling member having their axes of rotation at an angle to each other and being substantially disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the mast. 
     
     
       10. An apparatus according to claim 8 further including a binding for pivotably securing the mast to the boom. 
     
     
       11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the binding is a flexible belt having one end attached to the boom by a link and the other end locked to the mast. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein that portion of the flexible belt in contact with the mast has an anti-abrasive internal lining. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the locking end of the flexible belt is locked to the mast by means of a solid connection or buckle fastened to the mast. 
     
     
       14. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the locking end of the flexible belt is attached to the boom by means of a locking clamp mounted on the boom.